Officer Says Man Attacked Him With Knife

January 15, 1991|by PHIL BOYLE, The Morning Call

A 27-year-old Jim Thorpe man was arrested Sunday by Bethlehem Township police after he allegedly threatened a patrolman with a butcher knife following a traffic stop on Sheridan Drive, near William Penn Highway.

David A. Kroculick of 19 W. 5th St., was arraigned before District Justice Loretta Rudolph on charges of driving under the influence, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, resisting arrest, aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person. He was committed to Northampton County Prison under $5,000 bail.

Police Chief Joseph Barner reported that patrolman Patrick McFadden was on patrol southbound on William Penn Highway at 4:30 a.m. when a car operated by Kroculick came into his lane and forced him off the right side of the road.

He reported that McFadden turned around and pursued the vehicle to Sheridan Drive.

The chief said that Kroculick "flung open the driver's side door" of his vehicle and had an open beer in his left hand and a butcher knife in his right hand.

Barner said that McFadden drew his gun and ordered Kroculick to drop the knife. He said Kroculick ran in front of the patrol vehicle and said, "Go ahead; shoot me. I'll kill you." He said that McFadden again ordered him to drop the knife.

McFadden reported that he decided not to shoot his aggressor and got into his patrol car.

The officer said he drove forward, pushing Kroculick down into the snow.

McFadden said he exited his car, drew his gun and again ordered the man to drop the knife. He said Kroculick was making stabbing movements while moving toward him. He said he kicked Kroculick's right hand but he still held onto the knife and continued to make stabbing motions.

The officer reported that he avoided the knife and again kicked Kroculick in the head, stunning him, and disarmed him.

Barner said by this time patrolman Edmund Maciejczwk and Palmer Township police arrived on the scene. He said that Kroculick attempted to bite Maciejczwk in the arm as he was being placed in the cruiser.

The chief said that they found three beer containers, a baggie containing white powder residue and a dollar bill, which was rolled into a straw, inside Kroculick's vehicle.

He said Kroculick cut himself on the arm during the arrest and he was treated at Easton Hospital. He said Kroculick also refused to take a blood alcohol test.